About
Pioneer of the parallel chords style, an approach that had a profound influence on such artists as George Shearing and Oscar Peterson.
Before Fame
He was Lionel Hampton's pianist and staff arranger after joining Hampton's big band in 1941.
Trivia
He also was among the first to use the electric organ.
Family Life
His uncle, trombone player John Tobias, was his first teacher. His brother Ted became a jazz saxophonist.
Associated With
He got his start playing with the McKinney Cotton Pickers and Cab Calloway in Detroit.
